Rev. Paul Leslie Estes

Rev. Paul Leslie Estes, 95, of Middleburg, FL went home to be with the Lord August 21, 2021. Born in Kansas on January 13, 1926 to Lloyd and Daisy Estes, at age 18 he joined the U.S. Navy and served during WWII. His service led him to the Jacksonville area where he met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Page. The godly influence of his wife allowed the Holy Spirit to work in his heart and one Sunday morning he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. He would eventually answer the call of the Holy Spirit to become a preacher. After the military, Paul hauled ice, worked as an electrician and lineman with Kansas Power & Light, and a brake man for the Union Pacific Railroad. He finished high school and college on the GI Bill, graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and was ordained in 1951. He also earned a master’s in education from the University of Florida. In 1962, he and Dorothy moved to Clay County to be near her aging parents. In addition to pastoring several wonderful churches in the area, and thereby touching many lives for Christ, he also taught for 10 years at Orange Park High School, served as dean of boys and guidance counselor, and was principal 1969-70. Paul and Dorothy had two children, a son Paul II and a daughter Janita, who was abducted and murdered in 1976 at 16 years of age. This was a difficult time for Paul and Dorothy, but the Lord brought peace to them knowing they would see Janita again in heaven one day. After the death of his wife of 65 years in 2011, several loving friends helped care for Paul, including Susie, Phyllis, Angel, and Ericka. Survivors include son Paul L. Estes, II (Brenda), 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and countless wonderful friends.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 2, 2021 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Pastor Jeff Brauer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please perform random acts of kindness on Paul’s behalf.